NBA Finals: Game 3

SI Staff | Jun 15, 2006

NBA Finals: Game 3 /

NBA Finals: Game 3

Displaying an often-overlooked passing touch, Shaquille O'Neal handed out a team-high five assists in the Heat's 98-96 Game 3 victory.

Dwyane Wade scorched the Mavericks for 42 points and 13 rebounds while leading the Heat back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit for a crucial win.

Despite scoring 30 points and chipping in seven boards, Dirk Nowitzki will remember Game 3 for the game-tying free throw he missed late in the game.

Antoine Walker may have missed all five of his three-point attempts, but he did add a key 12 points and seven rebounds.

Adrian Griffin added only two points to the Mavericks' attack but made two steals on the defensive end.

Jason Williams hit a pair of three-pointers while focusing on getting Shaquille O'Neal involved in the offense early in the game.

It was another spectacular night for Josh Howard, who shot 8 for 13 from the floor, including a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the three-point arc, and grabbed five rebounds.

Though Shaquille O'Neal has appeared a step slow in the Finals, he is still a 7-foot, 300-plus-pound obstacle for any would-be scorer.

Published Jun 15, 2006

SI STAFF